The GAA has been urged to “grasp the nettle” and get Casement Park built after the British government refused to fund its redevelopment in time for Euro 2028.
Alliance MLA David Honeyford made the call after hopes of having the west Belfast venue ready in time for the major soccer tournament were dealt a fatal blow last week.
With a planned 34,500 capacity, the redeveloped Casement Park had been included in a joint Ireland/Britain bid to host Euro 2028
However, the British government decision not to back the Euro bid was confirmed on Friday.
While the British government claim cost of building the new stadium had risen “dramatically” to potentially over £400m, GAA president Jarlath Burns said the figure does not “align” with that held by the association.
Some have suggested the GAA should now take the money available and build as big a stadium as they can afford.
Initially budgeted at £77.5m, the Stormont executive was to provide £62.5m with the GAA stumping up just £15m.
Earlier this year the Irish government said it would fork out £43m, with the British government being asked to make up any shortfall.
Mr Honeyford, who is development officer with County Antrim club, St Joseph’s GAC, Glenavy, said the GAA needs to move on building a new stadium.
“Do they need to grasp the nettle and get on with, they absolutely do,” he said.
“It’s so disappointing that we don’t have the Euros and that whole piece of community coming together across the Island.”
The GAA has described the development as a “missed opportunity”.
Mr Burns said the association had been braced for a negative outcome.
“We were just waiting for the bad news to come, and it eventually did,” he said.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said he shares the “disappointment” that Casement Park will lose out on hosting Euro 2028 games adding that he will meet with the GAA in the coming week.
